Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Ms. Katia Sofia D S Gomes | Renewable Energy and Energy Transition | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate and Research Assistant at RWTH Aachen University | Germany

Katia D. S. Gomes is an emerging scholar with a strong foundation in civil engineering and energy systems. Currently pursuing her PhD, she brings over two years of academic research experience, particularly in energy project development, modelling, and international collaboration. Katia is well-versed in utilizing advanced modelling tools such as EnergyPLAN, OSeMOSYS, and HOMER. Her academic journey is marked by cross-cultural exposure and a passion for sustainable energy transitions. Through her roles in academia and industry, she has demonstrated strong skills in proposal writing, project coordination, and analytical thinking. Katia continues to contribute to energy sustainability through her innovative research.

Profile

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Education

Katia holds a Master of Science in Energy and Green Hydrogen, which she completed at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal. Her graduate studies focused on the economics, policies, and technologies of green hydrogen, reflecting a deep interdisciplinary understanding of energy transitions. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde. Her academic trajectory shows a commitment to continuous learning and the application of engineering principles to solve real-world energy problems, particularly in developing regions and cross-border collaborative settings.

Experience

Katia has accumulated a wealth of experience through progressive roles in both academic and industry settings. Currently, she works as a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, contributing to energy modelling and proposal development for hydrogen-related projects across Africa and Europe. She also supported the university as a student assistant in 2023. Before her academic tenure, she worked as a civil engineer at Varela & Engineering in Cape Verde from 2019 to 2021, overseeing infrastructure projects. Her diverse background blends practical engineering skills with academic rigor, enabling her to lead and support international energy initiatives effectively.

Research Interest

Katia’s research interests revolve around energy transition technologies, green hydrogen integration, and sustainable energy modelling. She is particularly focused on using computational tools like EnergyPLAN, HOMER, and OSeMOSYS to simulate energy systems in African and European contexts. Her research aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimization of hydrogen infrastructure and its socio-economic implications. Katia is also interested in the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and regional cooperation in renewable energy projects. Her interdisciplinary approach brings together technical knowledge, policy analysis, and sustainable development goals to address the global energy crisis through innovative modelling and collaborative research.

Award

Katia has demonstrated exceptional potential in research, project execution, and scientific communication. Her successful coordination of proposals and research collaborations in Africa and Europe has positioned her as a rising talent in the field of green hydrogen and sustainable energy systems. She was selected as a research assistant at a leading German institution, RWTH Aachen University, a recognition of her growing academic and professional influence. Her innovative mindset, cross-cultural communication ability, and proficiency in modern modelling tools make her a strong candidate for research-based awards that highlight early-career excellence and interdisciplinary impact in sustainable energy.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: The role of transport sector integration in achieving high shares of renewable energy in African islands
    Journal: The case of Santiago, Cabo Verde
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Katia D. S. Gomes embodies the qualities of a promising researcher with a clear vision for sustainable development through energy innovation. Her academic and professional pursuits are deeply aligned with addressing critical challenges in renewable energy integration, especially in developing regions. She brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, policy insight, and cross-cultural collaboration. With her ongoing PhD and project engagements, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to the global energy landscape. Recognizing her through this award would not only honor her work but also empower her continued impact in the energy transition field.

Sourav Poddar | Renewable energy generation and storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Sourav Poddar | Renewable energy generation and storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Haldia Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Sourav Poddar is an accomplished academic and researcher whose contributions to engineering and materials science have demonstrated a sustained commitment to innovation, research excellence, and pedagogical leadership. With extensive experience across academia and industry-oriented research, Dr. Poddar’s work reflects a deep engagement in advancing the frontiers of electrochemical systems and energy storage technologies. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach, high-impact publications, and active role in promoting collaborative research environments in both Indian and international academic spheres.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Poddar’s educational background is distinguished by a progression through prestigious institutions. He completed his Ph.D. in Engineering at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, in 2020, focusing on nanostructured materials for energy storage devices. He holds a Master of Technology in Materials Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Bengal Engineering and Science University. This strong academic foundation across disciplines enables him to approach research problems from multiple perspectives.

Experience

Professionally, Dr. Poddar has served in various academic and research capacities. His roles include Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kalyani, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, where he has taught core engineering subjects and supervised research projects. He also completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Tel Aviv University, Israel, contributing to advanced electrochemical sensor development. His responsibilities have spanned teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, and active involvement in institutional accreditation and research coordination.

Research Interest

Dr. Poddar’s research interests lie in electrochemical energy storage systems, nanostructured electrode materials, solid-state batteries, and biosensors. His work is grounded in the design and development of advanced materials with customized properties for enhanced electrochemical performance. He integrates principles of materials science, chemistry, and engineering to address pressing global challenges in energy sustainability. His focus also includes hybrid aerogels for CO₂ capture, catalysis, and waste valorization through chemical engineering processes.

Awards

Dr. Poddar’s research excellence has been recognized with several awards and fellowships. He received the SERB-National Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and a postdoctoral research grant from Tel Aviv University. His accolades include the Young Scientist Award (VDGOOD Technology Factory, 2020), Best Researcher Award (2021), and Outstanding Young Teacher of the Year (2021, 2022). Additionally, he holds professional titles such as Chartered Engineer and Professional Engineer under the IEI and ECI, affirming his technical credentials and professional impact.

Publications

Dr. Poddar has published widely in high-impact journals. A selection of his most cited and relevant publications includes:

  1. “Binder-Free 3D Porous Nickel–Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets on Nickel Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors,” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2020 – cited by 50+ articles.

  2. “Facile synthesis of NiCo₂S₄ nanosheets for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors,” Electrochimica Acta, 2019 – cited by 70+ articles.

  3. “Zinc–nickel oxide hybrid nanostructure as efficient electrode material for supercapacitors,” Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 2018 – cited by 30+ articles.

  4. “Electrochemical performance of NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles anchored on graphene oxide for energy storage,” Journal of Energy Storage, 2021 – cited by 25+ articles.

  5. “Fabrication of enzyme-free biosensor using ZnO nanorods,” Materials Science and Engineering: C, 2019 – cited by 40+ articles.

  6. “Nanostructured conducting polymers for flexible energy devices,” Materials Today: Proceedings, 2020 – cited by 15+ articles.

  7. “Design of carbon-based composites for hybrid supercapacitors,” Journal of Power Sources, 2022 – cited by 20+ articles.
    These works reflect his expertise in experimental and modeling techniques and their real-world applications in energy and environmental technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Sourav Poddar exemplifies excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His career has been characterized by a strong educational foundation, impactful scientific contributions, national and international recognitions, and a deep commitment to solving real-world problems through sustainable engineering solutions. His interdisciplinary research continues to inspire peers and students alike, making him a deserving candidate for recognition in any prestigious award program.